Brown recluse spider

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Arachnids, basic features

Arthropods, basic features

Brown recluse spider bite on the hand

Apply a cold pack, then seek immediate medical attention.

Before calling emergency, determine the following:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Area bitten
• Time bitten
• Identity of the spider, if possible.

The patient should be taken to the emergency room for treatment. The bite may not appear to be very severe and may take some time to progress to a more severe state. However, treatment is important to minimize complications. If possible, bring the spider to the emergency room for identification.

You will be instructed on what to do immediately following the bite. The patient should be taken to the emergency room. See poison control centers for the national telephone number.

Fatalities from brown recluse spider bites are more common in children. With proper medical attention, survival past 48 hours usually indicates that recovery will follow. The ulceration may take up to 6 weeks to heal, with proper care.

Review Date: 05/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.